rebuilding · FF-0198

Why can a Flathead rebuild take a year and a half?

Ed had this Mercury-crank engine for probably a year and a half. He explains that the work has to go in order: clean the motor and make sure it is not cracked and is rebuildable, and if not, search for another one or try to get it repaired, which is hard now. Then it all has to be machined before any parts are ordered, because machining sets the specifications, such as the crankshaft size. Only then can the parts be ordered and found, from few sources. For Chevy V8s and 302 Fords he keeps bearings and pistons in stock, but anything unusual stops everything.

Expert

Ed Smith

Evidence

expert attributed

Component

rebuild sequence and parts supply

Applicable scope

1949–1953 Ford Flathead V8 with a Mercury crank and a Speedway Motors five-speed kit